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Chicken Kapama – Greek Braised Cinnamon Chicken

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Chicken Kapama is a traditional Greek braised chicken dish simmered in a cinnamon-scented tomato sauce. This comforting, one-pot meal delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken infused with warm, aromatic flavors—perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 to 6
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 1.8 kg / 4 lb), cut into 8 pieces, skin on and bone in
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 250 g)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups whole peeled stewed tomatoes, crushed (720 g)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus 1/4 teaspoon for seasoning the chicken
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • For serving (optional):
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles
  • Grated Kasseri or Romano-style cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Discard excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Add chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon sticks, and remaining 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Return chicken to the pot, nestling into the sauce. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Uncover and simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. Add a splash of water if it becomes too thick. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving.
  7. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and grated cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs only for a richer flavor and easier prep.
  • Add a pinch of ground allspice or a clove for deeper spice notes.
  • Use only olive oil for a dairy-free version.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day—great for meal prep.
  • Can be finished in the oven after browning and assembling—bake covered at 170°C (340°F) for 90 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/chicken-kapama-greek-braised-cinnamon-chicken/